Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Brad, Great point. We also believe that high placement rates impact every department in the school. Certainly provides great referral options. Also high placement rates tell your employers and prospective employers that your school trains people well. When they hire a grad from your school they can be sure that person is ready to be productive on day one. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Scott, You're right. Students enroll to get a job and when they hear about employment success directly from grads it provides a lot of credibility.Instructors and staff have a way of integrating the job search process into their classrooms so students are continually reminded how their new skills relate to the workplace. The Hall of Fame wall is great. Imagine prospective students walking through and reading all the success stories. The admissions reps won't have much to do but sign up those that qualify. We also believe that Placement and Career Services is THE most important department at a career… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Surveys...

Stephanie, We are starting to see that online surveys don't provide a lot of response. That's why we are now looking at the benefits of a comprehensive Community Outreach initiative. That means visits and phone calls to employers. We think there is more information to be gained than from a survey. Your thoughts? Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Stephanie, This is great. Suggest that your admissions staff is equally trained in the opportunities through Workforce. They may meet with prospective students who could qualify for tuition assistance. Sounds you have the attention of your local Workforce offices because of your excellent placement records. That is certainly what Workforce wants to see. Thanks for your valuable contributions. Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Bringing Placement Services to the Classroom

Stephanie, Sounds like you keep excellent records. And that's a must in order to do all that you are accomplishing. Very impressive. The End of Year job fair is a great marketing strategy. And obviously it works if you have 84 employers attending and your program is active 4 times a year. Sounds like you have an active Community Outreach initiative, too. This is essential to stay in touch with your employers and establish quality communication. thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Employer presentations...

Stephanie, Sounds like you are doing everything right, Stephanie. Very impressive. We feel every career school should have an active Advisory Board regardless of whether required. If you get the right people and hold just the right number of meetings - not too many and not too few - you will be able to determine how well your training matches the needs of the workplace. Grads should be work ready on day 1 on the job and not need any additional training to make a difference where they work. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

Employer presentations...

Stephanie, It's great that you are getting bona fide stats re salaries, etc. Be sure that the information you collect is specific to your area. There can be a great difference in salaries and job openings depending on where you are located. Many state licensing agencies do require that the placement information you provide is documented. Great point. Thanks Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Stephanie, Sounds like you are benefiting from all your resources including employers. We think companies that hire your grads and those who don't should be contacted on a regular basis. They have so much information if you just ask. Employers can tell you how work ready your grads are. This is a way to find out if your programs include all the knowledge and skills a grad needs to get a job and where to make changes if needed. Employers can tell you about new training that may be needed in the community. And employers can tell you about job… >>>

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

The Impact of Placement Services

Stephanie, Hi Stephanie. Interesting assignment.We believe that graduates are an incredible resource to career schools. As you point out, they can talk with new and prospective students and are very credible. Grads can also refer qualified students for enrollment and handle many many other tasks helping out with all departments including student services, placement, and in the classroom. That's a reason to keep in touch with grads via an Alumni Community. In fact, if you want to know more, MaxK offers a course on how to set up Alumni groups specifically at career schools. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz

Dr. Susan Schulz

Discussion Comment

When Do Placement Services Start?

JoAnna, Very well said. Given time and ongoing communication the placement department can eventually put a custom plan together for each student. Makes the students feel really good and addresses their individual needs. After all some need more help with resumes than others for example, or confidence building. Or interviewing. This will help the student get a job and also encourage them to recommend friends. Thanks, Susan Dr. Susan Schulz